Lidl announces Ireland’s First Net Zero Energy supermarket
It is anticipated that the energy saved by the Net Zero Energy Lidl store in Maynooth is equivalent to the energy used by over 40 typical Irish households each year
Print20 May 2025
Lidl Ireland has recently announced the construction of Ireland’s first Net Zero Energy supermarket located in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
This first-of-its-kind Lidl store is set to make history as it will become the first BREEAM-accredited Net Zero Energy supermarket in Ireland, targeting an Outstanding rating, as recognised by the Irish Green Building Council.
“With this investment, we are bringing to life our commitment to achieving Net Zero for our customers and enhancing the sustainable credentials of the Irish retail industry,” Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said.
This supermarket will be the first retail space in Ireland to produce all its operational energy from onsite renewable sources, while also fully offsetting the embodied carbon associated with its construction through renewable energy generation.
The store will feature a 575 kWp solar panel system installed on both the roof and within the car park, further cementing Lidl’s position as the owner of the largest rooftop solar array in the country.
The building will incorporate concrete made from 50% recycled materials, sustainable glulam timber roof beams and lower embodied carbon roof panels.
Additionally, stone from Lidl’s original Maynooth store has been 100% recycled onsite to further reduce emissions and will be reused as part of the build.
Construction of this unique store is currently underway, supporting 150 jobs and scheduled to open its doors for customers in November 2025.
It is anticipated that the energy saved by the Net Zero Energy Lidl store in Maynooth is equivalent to the energy used by over 40 typical Irish households each year.
The carbon savings are equally compelling, matching the effect of avoiding 1,500 flights from Ireland to Spain annually.
Powerful example
It sets a powerful example for the future of retail in Ireland and shows how circular economy and climate ambition can be embedded into everyday business.
“I commend the entire team at Lidl for their vision in developing this innovative store, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” Darragh O’Brien, minister for climate, environment and energy, commented.
The Lidl Net Zero Energy store will also shine a light on the importance of biodiversity with its very own pollinator-friendly Ecological Community Garden featuring bird boxes, insect log piles and native plants.
The store will provide shoppers with the option to reduce the carbon impact of their weekly shop by offering six customer electric vehicle charging points that run off renewable electricity, reducing the impact of customer commutes.
“Lidl’s investment in Ireland’s first BREEAM accredited Net Zero Energy supermarket is a real gamechanger for Ireland’s construction industry, marking a new era for sustainable retail, combining innovation in store design, renewable energy, and carbon reduction for both operational and embodied carbon,” Pat Barry, CEO of Irish Green Building Council, said.
The opening of this Net Zero Energy store in Maynooth marks a significant milestone in Lidl’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050 across its entire supply chain, as part of its ‘A Better Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy.
This means that the retailer will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as close to zero as possible by 2050 and offset unavoidable emissions.
Read more: Lidl Cornmarket Street store following major refurb finally opened
© 2025, ShelfLife by Patryk Goron
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